T2 L9 Sexual Health Flashcards
What is the WHO definition of health?
A state of complete physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity
What is the biopsychosocial definition of sexual health?
a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.
Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence
What were the various sexual identities in the Australian Study of Health & Relationships? Give the % of each
- 5% heterosexual
- 7% bisexual
- 6% homosexual
- 1% other
What are the various sexual experiences in the Australian Study of Health & Relationships? Give the % of each
- 5% exclusively heterosexual
- 4% heterosexual and homosexual
- 6% exclusively homosexual
- 4% none
What do results from the Australian Study of Health & Relationships teach us?
An individual’s sexual identity does not always map unto behaviour
In terms of sexual health, what does most medical research focus on?
Much medical research focuses on:
- disease (HIV and other STIs) and -sexual dysfunction
- (+ unplanned pregnancy)
less attention is given to non-disease / dysfunction
Given the definition of sexual health, which other factors should be considered when looking at sexual well-being in more broad terms?
- sexual satisfaction
- sexual difficulties
- sexual coercion
- sexually transmitted infections
Just focusing on disease undermines the need to prevent infection
What % of men and women agree that “An active sex life is important for your sense of well-being”?
87% of men
79% of women
What is overall relationship satisfaction strongly related too?
Sexual satisfaction
Satisfaction with emotional aspects of relationships is significantly related to greater physical satisfaction and more frequent sex
Which gender has a higher ideal frequency of sex?
Males
BUT there are large overlaps for men and women
How does the actual frequency of sex compare between men and women?
Actual frequency of sex is similar for men and women
Lower than ideal
What % of men and women report a match between their ideal and actual frequency of sex?
Men = 15% Women = 26%
Most men and women want sex more often than they do
What is the mean frequency of sex per week in relationships?
1.5 times
List the various sexual difficulties reported and their % in men and women
lacked interest in sex = 25% (M) 55% (F)
orgasm too quickly = 24% (M) 12% (F)
unable to orgasm = 6% (M) 29% (F)
anxious about ability to perform = 16% (M) 17% (F)
sex not pleasurable = 6% (M) 27% (F)
pain during intercourse = 2% (M) 20% (F)
vaginal dryness = 24% (F)
unable to keep erection = 10% (M) .
What is low function in sex related to?
- greater age
- depression
- poor physical health
- lower relationship satisfaction
- inability to talk about sex with partners
What effect does poor physical health have on sexual frequency and satisfaction?
Negative
What % of men and women have been sexually coerced (forced or frightened into unwanted sexual activity)?
Men = 5% Women = 20%
What are the potentially long lasting effects of sexual coercion?
- psychological well-being
e. g., higher prevalence of depression and anxiety - physical well-being
e.g., lower well-being, greater
cigarette/drug/alcohol use - sexual well-being
e. g., more STIs, more negative attitudes